SHS pupil Jemima Stephenson awarded Organ Scholarship from the University of Cambridge. Jemima, who lives in Fulwood, will take up her place to read Natural Sciences at Queens’ College in October 2008.

After submitting her application to the University, Jemima underwent three days of musical tests and auditions at Oxford and Cambridge in late September. She was also interviewed academically during the trials.

Organ Scholars’ duties are centred around providing music in the College chapel and they are usually expected to commit themselves to general music-making in the College as well. In addition, Organ Scholars at Queens’ College play a prominent part in the active student-run College music society, and help to co-ordinate the organisation of international music tours.

Discussing her achievement, Jemima said:

“This is the only opportunity that I could have at university to do a serious science course alongside serious musical study. Playing the organ will provide me with valuable training which will be useful if I ever decide to turn professional.”  

Jemima joined the Sheffield Cathedral Choir where she became interested in the organ especially following the choir tour of France in 2006.  There she heard the famous organ at Abbey aux Homes which inspired her to take up organ playing seriously.  Jemima worked hard and fast to pass her grade 4 in December 2006, her grade 6 in June 2007 and is now playing diploma level pieces whilst hoping to pass her grade 8 in January!